More than 10,000 nurses covered under newly ratified Teamsters contract with Corewell Health

August 21, 2026 - 04:16

Registered nurses across Corewell Health East have officially voted to ratify their first union contract with the health system, ending a negotiation process that stretched past 13 months. The agreement, which covers more than 10,000 nurses, was finalized under the Teamsters union and represents a significant milestone for healthcare workers in Michigan.

The contract includes provisions for wage increases, improved staffing protections, and stronger workplace safety measures. Nurses had pushed for these changes amid concerns about burnout and understaffing that intensified during the pandemic. Union representatives said the new agreement also establishes clear procedures for handling grievances and ensures nurses have a voice in decisions that affect patient care.

Corewell Health East, the largest healthcare system in the state, had faced pressure from nurses who staged informational pickets and public demonstrations over the past year. The ratification vote came after both sides reached a tentative deal earlier this month, which union leaders described as a major step forward.

Nurses at several Corewell facilities, including Beaumont hospitals in Royal Oak, Troy, and Grosse Pointe, were part of the bargaining unit. The contract will run for three years, with many nurses expressing relief that the prolonged uncertainty has finally come to an end. Union officials noted that the high voter turnout reflected the strong interest among nurses in securing lasting improvements to their working conditions.